B. Islamic Principles of Government

There are three overarching principles of Islamic government to be found in the Quran and the sunna, which are at the crux of nearly every discourse on Islamic political theory:

1. The shura (mutual consultation) verse, found in the Quran in the description of those who are Believers, that among their characteristics is that "their communal business is to be transacted in consultation among themselves" (Quran 42:38).

Interestingly, the chapter of the Quran in which this verse is found is named al-Shura to indicate the importance with which this verse was regarded. Also writing about this verse, the well-respected modern scholar Muhammad Asad states: "This injunction must be regarded as the fundamental operative clause of all Islamic thought relating to state craft... The word amr [communal business] in this injunction refers to all affairs of a communal nature; and, therefore, also to the manner in which the government of an Islamic state is to be established: that is to the elective principle underlying all governmental authority."3

2. The concept of baya, or affirmation of consent to be governed, and oath of support, given to the governor by the governed.

3. The Quranic verse stipulating the obligation of the ruled to obey the legitimate authority of the ruler: "Oh you who Believe, obey God, obey the Prophet, and those in authority among you" (Quran 4:59).